Libraries, Individualism, and America

Yes, I think libraries should be fully funded. Partially because their funding keeps me employed, but more because I think the library is one of our greatest American institutions. People always talk about that one of the things that make Americans different is because we have such a strong streak of individualism. Libraries nurture that individualism. You can walk into a library and look for anything, and probably find something about that topic. In the past few days these are just a few of the topics about which I've helped people find information:
1. Aircraft Frequencies (aircraft radios were interfering with his television)
2. A summary of Huckleberry Finn (a student waited until the very last minute to complete a report on the book which she never read)
3. The Underground Radio
4. The Water Cycle
5. Prayer
6. The Maltese Falcon
7. The TV show, 24
8. Upholstery Techniques for Wingback Chairs
9. Repair Manual for 1991 Town & Country Van
10. How to Start a Cleaning Business

Talk about individualism. Everybody wants something different and that is great. Libraries will give you service that you will never get at a bookstore (sorry all you booksellers out there, but you know its true). And don't say well just use the Internet, because there are still too many people in our country without the connections or the equipment necessary.

We discussed literacy at our staff meeting today. I heard this statistic that just floored me. California and Indiana are able to accurately predict future prison needs based on reading scores of 3rd graders. Instead of using those that knowledge and money to fund even more prisons why are we not increasing funding for schools and libraries?

I will try to find a link to the California and Indiana research, but at this point it is late and I am sleepy. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz